Fix Run This Town Bug in Cyberpunk 2077

The Run This Town mission in Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion delivers high-stakes intrigue in Dogtown, but a notorious bug can halt progress at a critical elevator in the Black Sapphire. This issue leaves players softlocked, unable to advance after disguising as Aguilar to influence the leadership choice. Drawing from player reports and official troubleshooting, this guide outlines reliable fixes, prevention methods, and mission insights to get you back on track.

Understanding the Run This Town Mission and Its Common Glitch

Run This Town activates after completing Mr. Hands’ gigs in Phantom Liberty, pulling V into a power struggle following Kurt Hansen’s demise. The objective involves impersonating Aguilar via a behavioral imprint, navigating social encounters, and selecting Dogtown’s next puppet leader at Hansen’s wake. The glitch typically strikes near the end: after entering the Black Sapphire lobby, the elevator fails to scan your eyes or activate, blocking access to the upper levels.

This softlock often stems from prior mission choices, particularly in ‘Get it Together’ or ‘You Know My Name,’ where aggressive exits—like shooting through Bares soldiers—trigger blast doors or environmental flags that persist. Even upright positioning or imprint activation doesn’t resolve it, forcing reliance on saves or system tweaks.

• Mission trigger: Post-Firestarter, Mr. Hands summons V to Heavy Hearts.
• Key phases: Imprint activation, Bennett interaction, Black Sapphire infiltration.
• Bug zone: Elevator post-wake entry, linked to combat in earlier gigs.

Immediate Troubleshooting Steps for the Elevator Softlock

When the elevator refuses to budge, start with these quick, non-destructive fixes before deeper interventions.

1. Verify Character Position and Imprint Status

Ensure V stands directly in front of the scanner, eyes level—no crouching or offset positioning. Reactivate the Aguilar imprint if glitched, then wait 30-60 seconds for scripting to catch up. Player tests confirm this resolves minor desyncs.

2. Reload Recent or Earlier Saves Strategically

Load the autosave from Black Sapphire entry or manually saved files pre-elevator. If the bug recurs, revert to before ‘You Know My Name’ or ‘Get it Together’ to avoid combat-triggered flags. Note: Progress loss varies, but Dogtown gigs remain completable if started earlier.

3. Restart the Game Client

Fully quit Cyberpunk 2077 (Task Manager on PC) and relaunch. This clears temporary script caches, fixing imprint-related blocks like inaccessible messages or inventory post-activation. Multiple users report instant resolution.

Platform-Specific File Integrity Checks

Corrupted assets exacerbate bugs in patched versions like 2.01 or 2.21. Platforms offer built-in verification:

• Steam: Right-click game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify Integrity. Replaces faulty files without data loss.
• GOG: Game library > Settings (gear icon) > Manage Installation > Verify/Repair.
• Consoles (PS5/Xbox): Rebuild database (PS5 safe mode) or clear cache—avoids redownloading full game.

Post-verification, replay the elevator sequence. Patch 2.21 introduced related issues, so combine with restarts.

Preventing the Bug: Smart Choices in Linked Missions

The glitch traces to ‘You Know My Name,’ where fighting Bares soldiers drops lobby blast doors, locking out future access—even for Run This Town. Stealth or dialogue exits preserve entry.

• Avoid combat in Heavy Hearts lobby during ‘You Know My Name.’ Use non-lethal takedowns or evasion.
• In ‘Get it Together,’ exit peacefully instead of gunning down foes.
• Complete all Mr. Hands gigs before starting Run This Town to sidestep progression locks.

Video analyses emphasize console players’ vulnerability, as modding isn’t viable—prioritize these paths for smooth runs.

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Issues

If basics fail:

1. Mod Conflicts (PC): Disable non-essential mods via Vortex/Mod Manager. Imprint gadgets clash in 2.01+.
2. Console Commands (PC Only): Use tools like Cyber Engine Tweaks to clip through walls or force elevator activation—risky for achievements.
3. Wait for Patches: CD Projekt Red’s history (e.g., 2.0 overhaul) suggests fixes in updates. Track forums for hotfixes.

For Bennett segment bugs (post-talk, can’t deactivate imprint), neutralize him optionally to bypass.

Mission Walkthrough to Dodge Pitfalls

Here’s a streamlined path minimizing glitch risks:

1. Meet Mr. Hands at Heavy Hearts.
2. Activate Aguilar imprint near pipes—engage nearby Voodoo Boys for dialogue trigger.
3. Handle Bennett’s driver stealthily; hide body.
4. Dialogue with Bennett (avoid provocation unless eliminating).
5. Deactivate imprint, call Hands, head to Black Sapphire.
6. Reactivate at entrance, attend wake, select leader (Jago path safest).
7. Elevator up/down, call Hands to wrap.

Optional: Provoke Bennett for combat variant, but it heightens bug odds.

FAQs: Common Run This Town Bug Queries

Q: Does the bug affect achievements?
A: No direct impact, but softlocks prevent completion. Reloads preserve eligibility.

Q: Is it fixed in latest patches?
A: Partial resolutions in 2.21, but combat flags persist—use prevention.

Q: Can I complete gigs during the mission?
A: No—Hands locks new ones until finished. Finish priors first.

Q: Console vs. PC differences?
A: Consoles can’t mod; rely on saves/restarts. PCs have more tools.

Q: What if no old saves?
A: File verify + restart often suffices; otherwise, new playthrough or patch wait.

Community Insights and Long-Term Outlook

Forums buzz with reload success stories, emphasizing pre-mission saves. Steam discussions highlight imprint-message blocks fixed by thug engagements and restarts. YouTube warnings stress ‘You Know My Name’ pacifism for consoles. As Phantom Liberty evolves, expect comprehensive patches—CDPR’s track record ensures it.

Master these steps to conquer Dogtown’s shadows without frustration. Dive back into Night City’s chaos glitch-free.